Hit and runs are one of the worst types of accidents in personal injury law. Not only are they deadly, they may also wind up not being litigated because no one was charged.
In terms of being a serious crime, a hit and run would rank 10 on a scale of 1 – 10. Most people know what a hit and run involves – the collision of a vehicle and a person. However, the definition is actually wider than that. It also involves a collision with a person’s personal property and that includes their vehicle or a fixture, and failing to stop and identify themselves.
Many people don’t realize that it is the law that they stop and aid the injured pedestrian or motorist. They get scared, don’t think, or figure they will be in a lot of hot water, and take off. Better to stay at the scene and do what is required of you than to take off and get caught later. Now that’s the true definition of hot water.
Hit and run penalties vary from state to state and that is mostly predicated on how serious the accident happens to be. For example, if someone hits and kills a pedestrian and leaves the scene of the crime, the penalty for this would be far more serious than taking out a stop sign on the corner of Main Street and not sticking around to report it. In Ohio, a hit and run causing death is a third degree felony and the perpetrator may wind up with a stint in jail of up to five years.
Statistically speaking, the reasons for hit and run accidents tend to vary from driving while under the influence to reckless driving. The reasons for not staying at the scene of an accident are as varied as not having insurance, having priors, not thinking the accident was that bad, or driving someone else’s vehicle. Speaking of stats, the stats for Ohio show 157 hit and runs for the years 2002 to 2006. While that may be a low number compared to other states, it still represents the horrendous loss of a loved one.
In cases where the hit and run driver has been identified, make it a point to contact a personal injury attorney and discuss the details of the case. You may be able to find justice through the courts with the help of your legal counsel.
Jeremiah Denslow is a Dayton Divorce Lawyer in Dayton Ohio with Denslow Law Firm. The firm specializes in family law. Jeremiah also practices Dayton criminal defense. To learn more about Dayton divorce lawyer, Dayton dui lawyer, Dayton defense lawyer, Dayton divorce attorney, Dayton dui attorney, Dayton defense attorney, Dayton attorney, Dayton lawyer, Dayton ohio, visit Denslowlaw.com.
